Ranking The 5 Favorites For SEC Player Of The Year

Ranking The 5 Favorites To Win SEC Player Of The Year

Jan 6, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) dunks the ball on Mississippi Rebels forward Aaron Jones (34) at Rupp Arena. The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Mississippi Rebels in overtime 89-86. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

6 of 6

Jan 6, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) dribbles the ball against Mississippi Rebels forward M.J. Rhett (4) in the first half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Willie Cauley-Stein – Kentucky/F

The reason why the Kentucky Wildcats center Willie Cauley-Stein is the front runner for the SEC Player of the Year award is because of the success of the team he plays for. His numbers are not gaudy only averaging 9.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.9 blocks per game but what he’s done on the court is that he keeps getting better every game.

His ability to impact a game defensively is the reason why the Wildcats have such a high defensive mark.

Kentucky looks like they could go undefeated on the season not only because of the strength of their team, but also because of the timely ability that Cauley-Stein has to make a big play. Against Ole Miss in the overtime period Cauley-Stein kept making plays late in the game to help Kentucky win.

Whether he had to play help side defense and get a block, or step out of nowhere to grab a rebound, he was active.

The numbers won’t do Cauley-Stein justice but his team’s overall success should do wonders for him.

Next: SEC: LSU's Jarell Martin Starting To Play Like SEC's Best Player?